The Pruning Shears

I hurt.

I used muscles today that have been lying dormant for too long.  I spent hours carrying, digging, tugging, hauling, scooping and planting. But honestly, it was long overdue. 

After more than eight years in our home, our front landscaping had blossomed out of control.   Our shrubs looked like they were on steroids and as fast as we could trim them, they were peering through our living room windows again like a peeping Tom.  We had Creeping Jenny that was viral and had crept its way into every vacant space, being the bully of the bed.  And, the other plants looked as full as the guests after Thanksgiving dinner.

It was time for a drastic change, so we (my husband) did the unthinkable and cut everything back to their roots.  We decided to start over.  So, after planning, shopping, chopping, and amending the soil, we were ready to start afresh.  Although it was hard work, the front of our home now looks beautiful again… and I’m left with some inspiration.

The pruning was severe. It was painful. But it was necessary for new growth and beauty to emerge.  Sometimes God needs to do some radical pruning in our lives too.  God is so patient with me, but at times it takes something bold and drastic to get my attention.  And when He does get my attention, I try to take note because I know He’s up to something.  Although that “something” may not be evident yet, and may take some self examination and pruning in my heart, there’s always something good on the horizon as a result.  God is in the business of making things beautiful.  It’s who He is.  If you’re feeling that He’s got the shears out right now, take heart and be encouraged.  Growth and beauty are sure to follow.  

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  John 15:1-2

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